2023 gsport Volunteer of the Year finalist, Mariska Loots, has been appointed to the Board of Tag Rugby to oversee development, and one of her main priorities is securing crucial funding for her women’s program as the association looks to take three women’s teams to the Tag World Cup in 2026.
Speaking to the gsport Newsroom, Loots said: “This is an important structural addition to the Association as it allows me to represent women and to work alongside other ladies TagBOK players to promote female participation in our sport.
“I have also been appointed as the High-Performance Academy squad coach. The Tag Rugby Association emphasises developing female players, which I am very excited about. Tag Rugby has also had a record number of ladies competing in the nationals in February, where we had four times the number of women competing, compared to the previous nationals.”
With interest at an all time high, the Association is looking to secure all important funding to retain players who can simply no longer fund their trips to tournaments.
Female players who are members of the Mixed Open team will be part of the TagBOKS program for the next three years as the SA Tag rugby team work to prepare for the International Tag Federation Tag World Cup in two years.
Loots reveals that, due to lack of funds, there have been a number of players who have pulled out of the various teams. Including four women from the Mixed Open team. She feels if they had the funding this would never have happened.
“It has been extremely difficult to find funding for the upcoming tour. Although we had a generous sponsor for the 2023 Tag World Cup, this support has unfortunately not been able to continue into 2024,” Loots told gsport.
“The players and the Tag Rugby Association have been desperately seeking sponsorship, but it is difficult to find a person at the right place and the right time who is willing to listen.”
Tag Rugby Board Member, Mariska Loots
While players previously self-funded their trips, Loots revealed that this is not an option for many on her team.
“As women in a sport that is historically dominated by males, it is extremely difficult to find recognition and sponsorships. In the past, there have been many women who have been unable to go on tours and represent South Africa due to lack of funding. There are only one or two ladies who can use personal funds to travel to tournaments, and the rest of the team rely heavily on donations and fundraising – which is not always successful.”
She says the lack of funding also takes a toll on the players as it’s an added stress to consider when it comes to travelling overseas. Loots feels that having some financial assistance will go a long way in helping the team focus on what is important and this will only make the players better at what they do.
“This takes a toll on players because the commitment that players require to compete on the international stage is already tremendous and on top of that they must worry about raising funds to compete.
“I would love for players to be able to focus on fitness, skills, and development rather than stressing about fundraising and payment deadlines. I think that if they had the financial assistance, Tag Rugby in South Africa would be on a whole different level. We have the talent and the commitment, they just need the financial backing.”
From what Loots has shared this is a rather tough situation but the former SA Tag captain has continued to work hard on the field as as well as behind the scenes to give back to the sport that has given her so much. Her profile has lifted since being recognised as a finalist in the Volunteer of the Year category at the 2023 Momentum gsport Awards for her efforts and dedication to raising the profile of women’s Tag Rugby.
“I think being able to give back in any form is the best feeling in the world. So many people deal with struggles that we know nothing about, whether it be financial or emotional. If my giving back can change the life of one person, it will be a day well spent. Sport has this way of changing lives. It’s changed mine, and I think everyone deserves a chance to experience that! she said.
Loots had this nugget of advice for those women and girls who are thinking about joining the world of Tag Rugby…
“Take that chance, and just do it! Never underestimate your capabilities. It’s never too late to join! I’m on the wiser side of my 30s and there’s still loads left that I have to offer!”
Photo 1 Caption: When it comes to funding, women’s sport seems to find themselves in the unenviable position of having to secure their finances to travel to tournaments. This is no different for Mariska Loots and the women playing Tag rugby in South Africa. Photo: Supplied
(0 rating, 0 votes, rated)
Loading...
